Beverage Director

Beverage Director

For more than 131 years and four generations, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has handcrafted the world's finest cigars in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City. In late 2026, we will open three new hospitality experiences across from our historic El Reloj factory: Elaine's, a classic American restaurant; Stanford's Cigar Club, a premium cigar lounge featuring reserve spirits and wine; and The Inn at El Reloj, an eleven-room boutique inn. Together, these concepts will form the El Reloj District, a hospitality destination unlike anything else in Tampa.

We are seeking a Beverage Director to lead the beverage program for The Inn, Elaine's, and Stanford's. This is a unique opportunity to shape the beverage identity of a landmark hospitality project from the ground up.

Why You Will Want This Role

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Build a beverage program from the ground up within a historic restoration project
• Develop cocktail, wine, and spirits programs across multiple hospitality concepts
• Lead and train a passionate beverage team
• Join a fourth-generation family business that values craftsmanship and hospitality
• Be part of one of Tampa's most unique hospitality destinations

Compensation & Benefits

• $65,000–$75,000 salary, based on experience
• Performance bonus program beginning in year two
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off

What You Will Do

The Beverage Director will oversee beverage operations across Elaine's Restaurant, Stanford's Cigar Club, The Inn at El Reloj, and private events throughout the El Reloj District.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing the beverage vision across all concepts
• Building cocktail, wine, and spirits programs tailored to each venue
• Overseeing Stanford's reserve wine and barrel-aged spirits program
• Designing in-room beverage experiences for Inn guests
• Recruiting, training, and leading a high-performing beverage team
• Creating ongoing beverage and service training programs
• Managing purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and beverage costs
• Utilizing hospitality systems for reservations, inventory, and scheduling.
• Supporting seasonal programming, catering, and special events
• Ensuring compliance with alcohol service and sanitation regulations

Who You Are

You are passionate about hospitality, beverages, and team development. You lead confidently, value collaboration, and understand the importance of consistency, service, and training.

Qualifications include:

• 1–2 years of beverage leadership experience and at least 5 years in upscale hospitality environments
• Experience building or improving beverage programs
• Strong cocktails, wine, and spirits knowledge
• Proven success in recruiting, training, and developing teams
• Experience with catering, private events, and multi-format operations
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• English proficiency required; Spanish preferred
• Comfort working in and around a premium cigar environment

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Exposure to premium cigar smoke in designated areas
• Full-time role averaging approximately 50 hours per week
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required

Ready to Join Us?

If you are a hospitality-driven beverage professional with a passion for leadership, training, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we would love to hear from you. The full job description is on our website. Please submit your resume and a brief introduction outlining your beverage background and approach to staff training to View email address on click.appcast.io or apply online at J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.